MINNEAPOLIS, November 19, 2008—A joint report released today by the American Lung Association and the Minnesota COPD Coalition shows that chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is sending more Minnesotans to the hospital, and may be contributing to rising health care costs across in the state.

The report, released for November 19, World COPD Day, has some sobering findings on a condition that is now the 4th leading cause of death in the United States.

Key points:

• In 2003, 1,743 Minnesotans aged 45 and older died of COPD
• From 1996 to 2005, emergency department visits due to COPD increased nearly 250 percent
• While males have a higher rate of death due to COPD, females are quickly closing the gap
• The average cost of hospitalization for COPD is high: $18,975, excluding professional fees.

The study can be found online at www.alamn.org.

While the report includes some alarming statistics on the scope of COPD in Minnesota, the state is considered to be in the forefront of research, training and education on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

The Minnesota COPD Coalition is one of the first of its kind in the nation, and has already held two statewide Summits (another is scheduled to be held Dec. 2 in Roseville) on COPD care, respiratory therapy and patient and caregiver education.

SOURCE American Lung Association of Minnesota